In a town that pays tribute to veterans on a daily basis, there’s a show which does it all up in as good a fashion as this writer has ever seen. We were so impressed with the way all vets are honored by the Hamner Barber Variety Show last Friday night. That segment which closes the show is done with class and true appreciation of the sacrifices made by our service men and women around the world. A great song performed here by Jim and Dave, “Thank You Is Not Enough,” Well done, gentlemen.

I guess I’m starting at the end and working backward toward the front in this review. A little different for me I guess, but this show is different from other Branson shows. Oh, there’s music and dancing alright but there’s so much more, like the most amusing bit when Jim Barber’s head is on the ventriloquist’s character and the character’s head is on Jim’s body. How does he do that? And the almost perfect voicing of Jim’s “friends” even when they’re in a duffel bag of sorts. Barber is so good at what he does and I never realized what a nice singing voice he possesses. That was evident as he sang “Bring Him Home” from Les Miz. Oh, and a hats off to whomever is responsible for the sound in the theater, it’s very clear and audible. One can understand each word.

The Hamners, Dave and Denise, excel at what they do as well. They’re world class illusionists who, while entertaining, also manages to get across their point in living the joys of Christianity.

One of their most mystifying feats is “mysteries of the lost ark,” an illusion which encompasses the fate of the Ark of the Covenant. Dave is a minister of the gospel and pastors a congregation who meets regularly at 10 a.m. each Sunday in the theater.

Right here I have to mention the birds. The parrots and others which Dave and Denise use in their part of the show. Their birds are gorgeous and their flights over the heads of the audience always elicits a chorus of oohs and aahs from the patrons.

It was good to see A.J. Heard on stage dancing as well as she ever has. A.J. is an expert choreographer and has graced the Branson scene for some time now. She’s also the keeper for one Mr. Bucky Heard who, as we all know, needs a lot of keeping.

Linda accompanied me on this review saying she wanted to see the show that so many people have mentioned to her over at the Oak Ridge Boys Theater. She was not disappointed. Nor was I. Nor will you be.

The theater is located at 3090 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and you can call 417-334-4363 for more information.

About the author Ronnie Page:

Ronnie Page is the Entertainment Editor for the Branson Daily Independent and celebrates over 50 years in the gospel music profession having started his career in 1956 with the Oak Ridge Quartet (later the Oak Ridge Boys). Along the way he spent some 20 years with the world famous Chuck Wagon Gang. Ronnie sang with the original group during the 60’s and 70’s and he recently retired from today’s Chuck Wagon Gang.

Page hosted his own TV show in Nashville for some 18 years while still performing with some of the nation’s top gospel groups. In addition to singing with the Oak Ridge Boys and the Chuck Wagon Gang, he also sang with and managed the Swanee River Boys and the Rangers Trio.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Nashville along with the present day Oak Ridge Boys. He’s also a recipient of the coveted 2006 “Pioneer Award” presented by Nashville, Tennessee’s Music City Showcase in recognition of a half century of gospel music leadership.

Though the sporty images taken by photographer Marshall Meadows were intended to be published in the newspaper, both Dave and Jim enjoyed a break from their responsibilites at the Hamner Barber Theater to throw a few lines in the water.

The article is entitled: “Fast Chat with the creators of the best variety show in Branson, Dave Hamner and Jim Barber.”

Editor and publisher John Sacoulas asked the performing duo several questions related to their career and personal lives as well.

An excerpt of the article is shown below.

Do you guys really like to fish?

Dave: Yes, I really enjoy fishing… used to be out on the lake quite a bit… since managing the theater, I have only been out about three times… bummer… Jim and I have never had the opportunity to fish together… also, another bummer… so busy…

Jim: I love to fish. I prefer fly fishing, but in this photo Dave and I were faux fishing! What I love best is the quiet solitude and cool air coming off the water. Listening to the sounds of nature and water slapping the shoreline is very tranquil and relaxing to me. If I catch a fish, I’d rather release it than keep and clean it. I don’t find enough time in my schedule to go fishing very often, which seems silly when we live in the midst of some of the best fishing lakes in the country.

The article continues with the following questions:

• “Where did you first meet?”
• What personality traits makes your professional partnership work so well?
• How does your Christian faith come into play for your success?
• How did you get your wives to agree to be such a big part of what you guys do?
• With the level of talent you guys perform at, you can entertain anywhere in the world. What makes Branson so special to you?
• What has been the strangest gig you have ever done?
• Jim, how did David Letterman’s people know about you for the special appearance on his show?
• If you couldn’t be in the entertainment industry what would you be doing?

To read the answers to the above questions, please read the full article by downloading a PDF version of the Branson Christian News - June 2009 Edition.

Related Websites: Branson Christian News, Meadows Images

“Its variety is straight forward magic, ventriloquism and comedy, but the way they are presented, by two masters of their craft, Illusionist David Hamner and comedian-ventriloquist Jim Barber, separates this variety show from any other in Branson, perhaps in the world.” - Gary Groman aka The Old Seagull

Families with children, retired adults, motor coach groups, military reunions and student travel groups all agree that the Hamner Barber Variety Show was a highlight of their trip to Branson. Mr. Groman explained why the show is the perfect entertainment choice for every type of audience.

“There are relatively few shows in Branson that will hold the interest of children for the majority of the show. There are still fewer that can hold the interest of children while genuinely doing the same thing for adults. The Hamner Barber Variety Show is one of these shows. The constant rotation of the magic with the comedy and ventriloquism flows smoothly from one segment to the next keeping the audience waiting in anticipation for what is coming next and it makes no difference whether the age of the audience member is 10 or 70.” – Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

The article also discusses highlights of the production show including the entire cast of performers, dancers and magic assistants.

“It is not just the variety of the magic; it is the manner in which Hamner, his wife, Denise, and their supporting cast, present that magic. Dancers A.J. Heard, Ken Brown, and Kelly Nolte, who also double as magic assistants along with Lex Pearson and Michael Maeder, have been choreographed and worked into the presentation of the vast majority of illusions. The result is some of the most beautiful, entertaining and exciting magic available on any stage anywhere.” - Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

Mr. Groman continued the article with comments about Jim Barber’s unique ventriloquism routines throughout the show.

“The comedy and operatic duet with Seville is amazing, but when it turns into trio that’s “magic.”… Audience members might wonder why Barber opened the bag and kept the “baby,” but they will not be able to stop laughing because he did. Not to be outdone by the Hamner’s and their exotic birds, Barber works with a Chihuahua type character called “Chico Pete” and takes the audience to new levels of laughter all the while demonstrating why he is one of the nation’s top ventriloquists.” - Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

Finally, Mr. Groman added his coments regarding the Hamner Barber magical multimedia tribute to veterans called “Thank You’s Not Enough” that has generated a huge amount of positive comments from both audience members, national military organizations and press alike.

“The show’s tribute to America’s veterans, living and dead, active duty personnel and their families is a show highlight that is both innovative and beautifully, humbly, and respectfully presented from the heart. In the world of illusions, performers have made people, airplanes, animals, trucks, and even mountains disappear or appear, but none has topped the emotional and patriotic size of this finale tribute illusion. It is a special blessing.” - Gary Groman aka The Ole Seagull

Special thanks to Gary Groman for writing this terrific review of the Hamner Barber show. Please visit the Branson Courier website to read the full article and more wonderful Branson news articles by this talented and prolific author affectionately known as The Ole Seagull.

“Dave Hamner gives credit to his father, a Baptist minister, for that first part. He points to his partner, ventriloquist Jim Barber – who shares the marquee and stage of the Hamner Barber Theater – for the second part. And he takes a deep bow toward his wife of 17 years, Denise, for everything else.”
- C. Dennis Schick

The article also discusses how Dave Hamner teamed up with his old friend Jim Barber to produce the Hamner Barber Variety Show and ultimately partnership as owners of the theater venue.

“Jim Barber, although now a world-class ventriloquist, actually started as a magician himself. A native of South Dakota, he toured with a magic show for several years, and even performed with the USO. But when he decided to focus on the college circuit, he found that being a ventriloquist and comedian put him in a unique catagory, which got him more bookings. He’s concentrated on that ever since.” - C. Dennis Schick

Thank you to Dennis Schick and The Linking Ring for this wonderful feature story and for all the support you’ve shown us here at the Hamner Barber Theater.

The International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.) is the world’s largest organization for magicians boasting nearly 13,000 members worldwide. With over 300 local groups, called Rings, in more than 73 countries, it is considered to be the most respected organization for amateur and professional magicians in the world!

International Brotherhood of Magicians
www.magician.org

In a full page story, MAGIC magazine Editor John Moehring praised The Hamner’s original stage escape illusion by stating“Vertigo is not only devilishly suspenseful, but it is perhaps the only stage escape that has a surprise climax that seems physically impossible.”

Moehring also complimented Jim Barber’s half of the show as“clever comedy and impeccable ventriloquism.”

The shows talented cast of dancers also received kudos in the review. “Choreographer A.J. Herd struts her stuff in a Broadway dance medley, “Downtown” Kenny Brown sings with elegance and soul, and Tim Lewis is a hoofer par excellence, proving as Dave (Hamner) has already told his audience, “these guys aren’t just a bunch of box jumpers.”

Moehring concluded his review by stating, “The blending of the talents of Jim Barber and Dave Hamner plays well in this show. And because Jim was a magician before he turned to ventriloquism, while Dave practiced ventriloquism as he first learned magic, the two performers have plans to add some new material to the show – that explores what these two talented guys did and didn’t want to be when they grew up.”

The cast and crew of the Hamner Barber Variety Show extend a huge “Thank You” to John Moerhing and everyone at MAGIC for including us in the special issue.

Visit MAGIC Magazine online for more information or to subscribe to this beautifully designed and printed publication.

Branson, Missouri must be the magician and ventriloquist capital in the area of the country I live in. There are more ventriloquist and magicians performing there than I have ever seen. Currently there are five magicians performing there as well as three top quality professional ventriloquists.

One of the Magicians performing there this year is world renown magician Brett Daniels, who is performing at the Grand Palace Theater. His show is a true magic work of theatrical art and entertainment. It is a very entertaining two hour show which has everything in it from huge illusions such as making a fighter jet appear on stage to simple sleight of hand routines with cards. After watching his show it is easy to see why he has such acclaimed fame as a performer.

Darren Romeo, the singing magician is also there, and you can see a magic show at the mall theater next to Wal-Mart. Kirby VanBurch still draws audiences to his theater.

The Hamners who are at the Victorian Theater (on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway) do a variety of illusions that blend wonderful theatrics and their work with birds. At this same show you will also find Branson’s top ventriloquist performing, Jim Barber. This is a must see show if you get to the area. It is a wild mixture of Jim’s humor and creativity. The theater sits off the road and behind the Victorian Shop/Inn and is close to the Shoji Tabuchi Theater. But once you get there and the show starts you will be given a true treat to see two top quality acts combined together for one unique show!

Jim truly shows why he is one of America’s premier ventriloquist with his quality vent control and voice range as well as his wacky sense of humor. He also conbines puppetry and a magical illusion for a routine with one of Axtell’s ape puppets that truly is unique and very funny. Jim also uses Chico the Chihuahua, the Baby, Seville, and the Norwegian Orangutan. Jim also does a hilarious Austin Powers spoof that truly is right on.

Jim and the Hamners also will have a Christmas show playing in November and December called “The Wings of Christmas.” So if you ever decide to go to the Branson area, make sure you check out Jim’s show. Your funny bone will thank you!

Also in Branson you will find two other ventriloquist – Patty Davidson and Todd Oliver. Both are also great ventriloquist and worth the effort to check out. Patty is working at the Dalena Ditto show at Mickey Gilley’s Theater (on the main strip), and Todd is still out on the Branson Belle with his unique vent dog act.

Branson is truly a fun place to visit but be warned – the traffic is even more fun to drive in, Ha! If you want to learn patience, try driving from one end of the strip to the other in the middle of the summer. It is also about as bad in the Fall so do not be in a big hurry to get anywhere fast because you won’t.

While I was at the Hamner Barber show, I got to talk a short while with Jim. It was fun talking to him. He reminds me of myself a lot with his creative ideas and love of ventriloquism and magic. I found out from Jim that two of his puppet characters were made by none other than Verna Finly, Chico the Chihuahua and Baby, which would explain the unique characters of these two puppets. So go to Branson and have loads of fun! There are fun Fall festivities coming up.

The Hamner Barber Variety Show at the Victorian Theater has ingenious comedy and outstanding illusions.

Jim Barber, and Dave and Denise Hamner have returned to Branson this season to bring us a wonderful show with lots of laughs and fascinating illusions.

During a show that I went to, Barber had the audience laughing in the aisles as he introduced some new characters – along with some familiar ones.

Barber did the “Barber of Seville” act, handling two puppets, singing three parts to the song – all while keeping a smile on his face. I get breathless just trying to write all that.

Also, he brought to the stage a new character that the children adored who shared a part in the banana phone song.

Later, comedian and ventriloquist Barber did the Chico dance with his dog, Chico, who is so funny and adorable. It’s a sure bet he has his own fan club.

Barber also brought the little baby puppet back, too. And grandmas and children alike laughed and cheered the little poo-poo factory.

Illusionists Dave and Denise Hamner had some surprises in store, too. They have all of their fabulous, vibrant birds with them – and some new ones, too.

The feathered friends magically appear, circle over the audience and fly back to the Hamners as the audience looks above with awe and squeals of delight.

The dancers, Tim Lewis, Ken Brown and A.J. Heard, perform throughout the show and bring about all of the drama needed to add just the right “oomph” to every illusion. They are singing in the new show and each had his or her own special part – as does Dave Hamner, who sings “Magic of the Night.”

I never knew he could sing. What a treat.

The Hamners have added some pigeons to the show – spectacular white ones – and they all gather on a large tree at the end of the show for a beautiful finish to a great variety show.

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